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Scottish Country Dancing offers fun, fellowship and exercise for all ages. You can dance vigorously for a real aerobic workout, or more conservatively, depending on your age and energy level.
You don’t have to be a couple - dances are done in sets of four, six or eight (and we’re a very friendly social group).
Scottish Country Dancing consists of five, easy-to-learn basic steps. These are combined in a variety of ways to create formations and dances. You can spend a lifetime learning new dances and perfecting your skills, or you can simply dance for fun, relying on a repertoire of old favourites.
Scottish Country Dancing has its roots in the close contact between Scotland and France - ÒThe Auld AllianceÓ - which lasted until the time of Mary Queen of Scots at the end of the 17th Century. As a result, many Scottish Country Dancing terms, such as Pas de Basque, Poussette, Allemande, are of French origin.
After almost dying out in the 19th Century, Scottish Country Dancing was revived with the formation of the RSCDS (Royal Scottish Country Dance Society) in 1923. Since then it has spread throughout the world, to Russia, Hungary, Germany and would you believe, even in Japan. John Drewry, a noted teacher and writer of Scottish Country Dances, reports giving lessons to group of over 100 sets (800 people) in Japan. Japanese individuals and companies have also published many recordings of Scottish Country Dance music.
You will also, of course, find Scottish Country Dancing all over the United States and the Commonwealth. Once you learn the basics, you can step into a dance in New Zealand or California without missing a beat.
Scottish Country Dancing is divided into two major groups: Jigs, Reels and Strathspeys. Jigs and Reels use two basic steps Ð a fast step much like the hippetyÐhop-to-the-barber-shop you did as a kid, and a setting step somewhat like a Polka. Strathspeys use a slow deliberate step which flows like a Vienna Waltz but is unique to Scottish Country Dancing. The word Strath means Òriver valleyÓ so; Strathspey means a dance step which originated in the valley of the River Spey.
While many dances date back to the 17th Century, new dances are always being devised. One of our favourites is the Strathspey, ÒThe Saint John RiverÓ written to commemorate CanadaÕs Centennial. It depicts the Saint John River in New Brunswick as it winds down to the sea passing bridges and whirlpools and of course, the reversing falls. Another lively reel, ÒThe Reel of the 51st DivisionÓ was devised by Scottish soldiers in a German POW camp during the Second World War. This was a favourite of the Queen Mother and she danced it well in to her advancing years.
ÒAlberta has its ownÓ including ÒSwirling WatersÓ depicting the flow of the Saskatchewan River, and ÒIn the Mouth of a DinosaurÓ which John Drewry wrote after having his picture taken in the mouth of a dinosaur a the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Meet every Tuesday, 8 - 10 pm, from the last week in September to the end of April
Offering: Social and Basic classes
Contact: Irene Townshend - 780-430-0412
Meet every Thursday, 7:45 - 10 pm, September to Apri
Queen Alexandra School - 106 Street & 78 Avenue
Offering classes: Adult beginner / Intermediate / Advance
Contact: Irene Townshend 780-430-0412 or Barbara Johnston 780-456-8122
Meet every Thursday, 8 - 10 pm, from September to April
First Presbyterian Church - 10025 - 105 Street, Edmonton
Offering: Social class
Contact: Margaret Dudley 780-438-8837
Open from age 6 - 14
Offering classes: for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced juniors
Meet every Saturday morning from 10 - noon at St. LukeÕs Anglican Church -8424 - 95 Avenue
Contact: Louise McGillivray 780-434-1877